A writer-mom's life is filled with a million and two distractions; sometimes she finds herself at the park, WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

Hee Hee, Ha Ha, Ho Ho Ho

Seems to me that humor – laughter and amusement – is one emotion that is intensified and bettered by sharing it. It’s much more fun to laugh with someone than to chuckle alone in a (padded?) room. It makes sense that picture books – stories that are meant to be shared – are often funny.

But how do you do that?

That’s what I have a hard time figuring out. It’s the whole if I have to explain the joke then it’s not funny anymore problem.

But! I’ll try anyway!

Based on a very non-scientific grabbing of available books from my local library, here are some common traits I found in books I thought – because although we love to share a laugh, humor is personal – were funny.

INTERACTIVE QUALITY: The reader loves to be in on the joke – and to take part in the story. Yelling at books is always fun for story time.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

SILLINESS / ABSURDITY: Extremes are funny. Take something familiar and push it into something more.

Shark Vs. Train by Chris Barton

You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown

SURPRISE: Taking something familiar and turning it upside down – or playing with our expectations can be such a delight!

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick

Falling for Rapunzel by Lean Wilcox

NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY: It’s funny when a character does something naughty – ties into the surprise and interactive quality.

Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

SOMEONE ELSE’S TRAGEDY: As Mel Brooks said, “Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you walk into an open sewer and die.” These aren’t really tragic books, but the characters do have a moment of despair – that’s pretty darn funny.

Bubba and Beau, Best Friends by Kathi Appelt

Cuddly Duddly by Jez Alborough

Darcy Pattison has a great post on the different stages of humor in kids – definitely worth a study!